The client selects the GC, who selects the subs, who select the suppliers. Where, exactly, do you think my influence factors into that equation?
Also, I note that you're inferring I got buddy pricing, but not arguing such with facts. Kinda like duder who insists mechanical contactors slap $500/hr tech fees on equipment installs when you buy through them, but only charge $150/hr when you ask them to install an owner--supplied piece of equipment.
There are a few people in this thread that have never read proposals that say "owner supplied - no warranty provided", but I'm not one of them.
Ok a myriad of issues.
1- I'm not talking buddy pricing, that could be a factor but I wasn't assuming it since you didn't mention it.
2- actual chain of supply is actually irrelevant. What I mean is a couple months back a ME contacted me about residential generarators for his personal vacation house. Now I don't do resi. He doesnt specify generators. And he damn sure doesnt buy them. So no deals, right? Wrong, youu never know who talks to who and the potential value of a good impression. I spent 2 hours educating and even visited his house and then sold him a unit at my cost. Because even if I ripped him a new one id be making $700 but if i gave him a deal, made him feel important and he told the right person I could make 100x that. I didnt tell him that, i don't suspect he knows that, but there is always the lure of the golden goose for an entrepreneur.
3- even if y'all didn't tell him what your occupations were, if he's perceptive he could have picked it up possibly.
4- even if he didn't cut you a potential golden egg laying goose deal, both you and cyd have extensive knowledge in the space and are educated consumers. Putting you at a huge advantage to the average Joe homeowner. That knowledge will become apparent to a supplier who is half paying attention. And will result in a better price point for ypu.
5- I'm of suggesting you got a 90% off the boss is on vacation one time only deal. But you clearlyngkt about 10-15% below price I get from a mechanical contractor who I've known since 7th grade and has installed over a dozen had systems for me. You didn't get a typical price, I feel assured you know that.
6- your last line is just smoke and mirrors and you know that. If an owner buys a gen from me direct, you can bet your ass that the GC and everyone down the line is going to say "owner supplied; contractor Installed no warranty." Sure we've both seen that. Doesn't mean the owner doesn't get a warranty, I as the manufacturer will still repair any defective equipment. This is a gc saying he isn't going to supply free labor for my warranty repair. Which he wasn't going to do anyway, he was going to send me the bill - you and your client would just never see it. What this GC is saying is, danger danger if you don't buy from me and let me make my 15% markup on that if anything goes wrong I'm going to make it difficult on you. Weve all seen that game. It why if a non government entity owner buys direct from me they get an extra 15%. That's 10 for the gc and 5 for the ec and I'll, write them a check.
Don't confuse a commercial construction contract with a manufacturers warranty on consumer products.
Also, you'd probably be shocked to read an authorized service dealers contract with that manufacturer. If that unit fails, one of your local certified dealers will be out there. That conversation sounds like, " look bob. I get it. It sucks. When he cuts you out of the loop I lose commission too. But we have to take care of the guy to protect the rand for both our sakes. So put him last on the list. Ring him up if it isn't installed properly but get out there and get it fixed, and I'll check on those last 15 warranty requests you filed. I'll make sure they get processed and nothing gets challenged for ya.